“Doing the degree apprenticeship was probably the best decision I could have made”

Jessica Bound didn’t enter higher education the first time round. She’d always enjoyed learning, but when she was doing her A-levels the study environment wasn’t right for her and she left after a year. 

Now 26, and already nine years into a career at Babcock, the international defence, aerospace and security company, Jessica is finally pursuing a degree – this time with the backing of a supportive employer, a top university and CMI. And she’s putting her new knowledge and skills to use at work every day.  

While working at Babcock as a business support associate, based in Babcock’s Devonport facility in Plymouth, Jessica is busy studying as part of a two-year Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Exeter.  

• “I was adding more layers to the leadership experience I already had”

Putting skills into practice

“It was never my intention to follow the apprenticeship route, so it was a surprise even to me,” Jessica says. “But I was looking at different development opportunities, and a mentor suggested this course.

“It was probably the best decision I could have made. I’m at a great university and learning so many skills that could be implemented in any area of the business: everyone needs commercial support, project management and help looking after finances.”

Jessica says she went into the apprenticeship with an open mind. But she was still surprised by the sheer range of the provision in terms of both the content covered and the skills she’s gaining. 

“The traditional education route is very much about knowledge,” she says. “You then have to go somewhere to put it into practice. Here, we’ll learn a new skill in a masterclass and go to work the next day and use it.”